The 5 Amazing Summer Music Festivals Worth Planning for Now

Image: PHOTO: A panorama of Lollapalooza 2014. (photo via Flickr/Liliane Callegari)
Image: PHOTO: A panorama of Lollapalooza 2014. (photo via Flickr/Liliane Callegari)
Lisa Iannucci
by Lisa Iannucci
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Fri February 17, 2017

Spend this summer listening to some of the best music out there at some of the coolest music festivals around. If you're interested, make sure you make your reservations and buy your tickets as soon as possible because you won't want to miss out.

Vans Warped Tour

Considered a must-see for fans in the alternative and punk scene, the Vans Warped Tour is a festival that tours the country in such places as Portland, Seattle, and Albuquerque, featuring bands that have gone on to have huge success, such as Paramore and Blink-182. Make sure you plan out the tour in advance; the multiple stage setup means that you need to plan where you need to be for each artist. This year the Vans Warped Tour runs from June 16th to August 6th.

Afropunk

What started out as a festival in Brooklyn, has expanded to locations in Paris, London, Atlanta and Johannesburg. Taking place this year on August 26th and 27th (in Brooklyn), Afropunk celebrates black culture and combines African heritage and rhythm with a modern touch of bright color and punk DIY culture. Everyone is welcome at this event that encourages community and a safe, blank space.

Firefly Music Festival

Firefly is a festival that truly has something for everyone to enjoy. More than just music, this festival also includes camping and outdoors activities, such as sports leagues and entertainment with a headphone disco. When you're not exploring The Woodlands, this year's lineup includes a diverse array of artists, such as Twenty One Pilots, Ke$ha, Muse, The Weeknd, T-Pain, and Weezer. No matter your music tastes, there's sure to be something for you at Firefly.

[READMORE] READ MORE 4 Underrated Music Festivals to Attend this Spring [/READMORE]

Lollapalooza

If you're looking for a music festival with eight stages, authentic, fresh Chicago food, an art market and even a festival just for kids (under 10 get in for free), then you want to go to Lollapalooza. This year, it will be held from August 3rd through the 6th. Past artists to this festival include Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The 1975, Lana Del Rey, Lorde, and Arctic Monkeys. Whether you want to volunteer with the local organizations, go sightseeing, or just chill and listen to all the great acts, this is one event you cannot miss.

Summerfest

A list of summer music festivals that you have to see would be incomplete without this one-it literally has "Summer" in the name. Taking place over 11 days with 11 stages, it's the largest music festival for the entire year. Over 800 acts of all genres can be seen, including past artists like Paul McCartney, Panic! At the Disco, Selena Gomez, Blake Shelton, Rolling Stones, and Ed Sheeran. You can also enjoy food, beer, parties by the lakefront, shopping, and interactive exhibits. This year is its 50th anniversary, so it'll surely be something special!


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Lisa Iannucci

Lisa Iannucci

Lisa Iannucci has written many travel articles for national magazines and newspapers. Over the years, her travel articles have...

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